Damage and rubbish fears as travellers set up camp at park

TRAVELLERS have set up an unauthorised camp at one of Leeds's most popular parks, prompting a flood of complaints to councillors.

Around seven caravans, along with other vehicles and generators, have been parked on the edge of cricket pitches at Soldiers' Field, Roundhay Park, since yesterday morning.

Councillors say the situation is frustrating and worrying.

The council is expected to seek a court order to have the travellers moved but officials will have to wait until Monday to do this.

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Conservative councillor Matthew Lobley, who represents the Roundhay ward, said several vehicles had been driven around the edge of the cricket pitch, causing damage which would cost money to repair.

Residents have been emailing and phoning him and colleague Coun Valerie Kendall with their concerns.

He said: "It looks as if the police are not willing to move the travellers on, which is a little bit frustrating. It looks like they could be here for a week or more."

Coun Lobley fears that more vehicles will swell the unauthorised encampment over the weekend and cause further damage to the grassed areas. It is also feared that rubbish will be left behind.

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A spokesman for Leeds Council said officials would be visiting the travellers and then taking action.

A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said police had powers to move on such camps but only if they were causing problems.

The council had confirmed that they were not causing problems, said the spokeswoman.